Orange Line train project: SC forms 5-member bench to review Punjab govt's plea
LHC had barred Punjab govt from carrying out construction work around 11 heritage sites in Lahore.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has formed a five-member larger bench to review Punjab government’s plea against Lahore High Court’s (LHC) verdict in Orange Line train project case.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali heard the Punjab government’s appeal on Monday.
On August 19, the Lahore High Court had barred the provincial authorities from carrying out construction work within a distance of 200 feet around 11 heritage sites including Shalamar Gardens, Gulabi Bagh Gateway, Chauburji, Buddhu ka Awa, Zebunnisa’s Tomb, Lakshmi Building, General Post Office, Aiwan-e-Auqaf, SC Lahore registry building, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at Nabha Road and Baba Mauj Darya Bukhari’s Shrine.
The heritage sites are protected under the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance, 1985 and Antiquity Act, 1975.
During the case hearing, counsel for Mass Transit Authority (MTA) informed the Supreme Court that LHC’s verdict should be suspended as the project is facing delay.
Justice Jamali remarked that the bench will not suspend LHC’s decision but notices are being issued to the respondents as it is necessary to review facts and legal aspects on the matter.
Meanwhile, the apex court formed a larger bench to hear the appeal and adjourned the case hearing till October 10.
Orange Line Train project is a move by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif-led government to connect parts of Lahore with fast tracked transit for commuters and visitors.
The project received a lot of flak from the opposition especially Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for allegedly neglecting the ‘real’ needs of the people and spending humongous amounts of budget on Orange Line project.
The project also came under scrutiny earlier after reports of alleged corruption and embezzlement surfaced. The government was accused of bias in the handing the contract and colluding with the contractor.
It should also be mentioned that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has also expressed concern over the routes of the project.
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